Closed receptacle or case



Patented Aug. 11, 1942 l lxllll-TED STATES PATENT OFFICEI CLOSED BECEPTACLE R CASE Merrill L. Rathlmn, Salamanca, N. Y.

Application July 29, 1939, Serial No. 287,352 i (ci. 217-57) 3 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement in closed receptacles or cases and more particularly to .receptacles comprised of more than two elements.

The invention is more specifically directed to a closed receptacle having suitable base and cover elements that together completely enclose the space therewithin. 'I'he base and cover elements are pivotally connected in a manner similar to that disclosed in my Patent #1,833,305. One or more intermediate elements may be located in the receptacle to divide it into two or more compartments. The intermediate element may be pivotally joined to either the base or cover element and is operable to expose or close a compartment when the receptacle is open, and is provided with independent hinge means. It is intended that one or more intermediate elements of this nature will serve to' divide the interior of the receptacle into several compartments, thereby adapting it to a variety of uses.

The receptacle illustrated and described is produced from a moldable substance, but it will be understood that the material from which the receptacle lslformed has no bearing on the invention, inasmuch as wood, metal, or any other suitable substance may be used with equal satisfaction inpractlcing the invention.

One of the objects of the invention lies in the provision of a closed receptacle having one or more elements that serve to divide the interior into two or more compartments.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a closed receptacle having an interior compartment forming element pivotally connected with' either the body or cover element of the receptacle.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of an intermediate compartment forming element for a closed receptacle that is pivotally connected with either the receptacle body or cover and includes spring means for retaining it in opened or closed position.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a closed receptacle having pivotally connected spring actuated body.y and cover elements, within which is located one or more com partment forming elements-having hinge connection with either or both the body and cover. the

element pivotal connection being independent oi the body and cover pivotal connection.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will -be more fully understood from a consideration of the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; and in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of one modification of the invention showing a receptacle cover in fully opened position and an intermediate element in partially opened position;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the receptacle wit the cover in closed position. parts being broken away to disclose certain details of structure;

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the receptacle, being taken substantially on the line 3--3 ofFigure 2;

Figure 4 is a further enlarged vertical sectional view, being taken substantially ori the line 4-4ofFlgure2; ...an

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view showing the cover' and intermedlate elements in opened position;

Figure 6 is an exploded vertical sectional view of the body, cover, and intermediate elements showing the method of assembly;

Figure 'I is a perspective view of a receptacle in opened position showing a modication of the invention Vas disclosed in Figure 1;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the receptacle in closed position, parts being broken away to disclose certain details of structure;

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view of the receptacle, being taken substantially on the line 9 5 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view of the receptacle. being taken substantiallyA on the line III-I0 of Figure;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing the cover and intermediateelements of the receptacle in opened position; and

Figure 12 is an exploded view of the elements of the receptacle illustrating the method of assembly.

Reference is now had to Figures 1 to 6 inclusive, of the drawing wherein one modification of the invention is embodied in a closed receptacle generally indicated by the reference numeral I0. The receptacle comprises'a body II and cover I2. The rear or hinge wall I3 of the body II is reinforced or of thicker proportions than the other walls thereof.

the length of each bead I41is a recess or slot I6 that continues downwardly `of the body, having a curved base wall I1 that terminates in a spring seat I8. The wall I1 is preferably formed in a predetermined curve, or may be provided with a suitable projection on the surface thereof to constitute a stop to limit movement of the cover I2 by contact with a strap springthat forms a part of the pivot hinge structure.

the wall I1 to form a continuous curved surface with which a strap spring contacts to limit the extent of opening of the cover. A spring 26, having flanged-ends 21, is mounted in the aligned recesses I6 and 22 of the body and cover, the ends 21 engaging spring seats I8 and 24.

In the present illustration of the invention the rear wall I3 of the body portion is of thicker proportions than the rear wall I9 of the cover and includes, intermediate the ends of the wall I3, an upstanding portion 28 that terminates in its upper edge in a bead 29.. Centrallyrof this bead is a. recess 3|, having a curved base wall 32 that terminates in a spring seat 33.

An intermediate element 34 is provided for the purpose of dividing the interior of the receptacle into two compartments, or it may serve as a shelf or ledge on which to mount jewelry or other articles for display. It is also contemplated that the element may be formed with one or more recesses or openings into which articles may be set and secured against displacement. If, as shown in the present modiiicatiomthe element 34 is positioned to form a cover to the bottom portion II of the receptacle, a central, raised, reinforced portion 36 is provided. The lower edge ofy the portion 36 is formed with a recess 31 that is complemental to the bead 29. The portion` 36 may be formed with a cavity 38, the base wall 39 of which terminates in a spring seat 4I. When the seat 31 of the element 34 is engaged with the bead 29, a strap spring 42 may be utilized to secure these elements in operable pivotal relationship. This spring includes ends 43 that are engageable with seats 33 and.4I. The curved surfaces 32 and 39 cooperate to form a continuous curve with which the spring 42 engages .when the element 34 is moved to opened position with respect to the body portion I'I (see Figure 5) The pivot hinge construction of the body and cover II and I2, as well as that of the body and intermediate element, is such that midway between opened and closed position the springs 26 and 42 -are on dead-center. Thus. these springs serve to retain the cover I2 and element 34 in either lfully opened or closed position. The position of the element 34 in Figure 1 is merely i1- lustrative of the structure of the invention.

The bead 29, serving as part of the hinge structure for the element 34, may be formed in or secured to the rear wall I9 of the cover I2, in the event itis desired that the element 34 cooperate with the cover rather than the base to form a 3 and 4. It will be further understood that either or both beads I4 and 29 may be applied to the cover rather than the body in certain types of receptacles wherein such structure is more suitable.

Reference is now had to Figures 7 to 12, inclusive, of the drawings wherein a further modification of the invention is shown. In this instance a .receptacle is shown, being generally indicated by the reference numeral 46. The receptacle comprises a body 41 and cover 48. The rear orl pivot hinge wall 49 of the body is reinforced adjacent its ends and is formed with two somewhat outwardly projecting beads 5I. Between the ends of each bead is a downwardly opening recess or slot 52, having a curved base wall 53 that terminates in a spring seat 54. The cover 48 is formed with a reinforced rear wall 56, the lower edge of which has two short recesses or seats 51 that are complementary to the beads 5I of the body 41. Centrally, each of the seats is interrupted by a vertical recess 58 having a curved base wall 59 that terminates in a spring seat 6I. When the body and cover are engaged with the beads 5I resting in seats 51, strap springs 62 are applied for the purpose of securing the elements of the receptacle in operable pivotal relationship. Each of the springs 62 has ends 63 engageable with the spring seats 54 and 6I. As in the modication above described, the curved surfaces 53 and 59, when the cover is in opened position, cooperate to form a continuous curved surface with which the body of the spring 62 contacts to lim'it .the extent of opening of the cover with respect to the body.

Midway of the rear wall 49 of the base 41 is a further reinforcement 64. This portion is formed with a semi-circular recess 66 on its upper edge, which is interrupted midway of its length by a slot 61, a part of the base wall 68 of which is curved and terminates in a spring seat 69.

An intermediate element 1I is adapted to form a cover for the body 41 and divides the interior of the receptacle into two compartments. lAs in the previous modification, it may also serve as a shelf or ledge on which to mount articles, such as jewelry, for display purposes.- Adjacent thev front wall ofthe body 41 corner ledges 12 may be provided that serve to seat the forward end of the element 1I substantially flush with the upper edge of the body 41. The rear edge of the element 1I is formed with a bead 13 that projects downwardly and is complementary to the seat 66. A downwardly opening recess 14, adjacent the bead 13, provides a spring seat 16. In line with the seat 16, the bead is cut away .to provide a spring receiving recess or 'slot 11. l A strap spring 18 is adapted'to secure the element 1I in operable pivotal engagement with the body 41, the ends of the springtengaging seats 69 and 16. When element 1| is moved to opened position (see Figure 11) the curved wall 68 and the base wall of slot 11 cooperate to form a continuous curved surface with which the central portion of the spring engages and acts to stop further pivotal movement of said element.

It will'be apparent that the intermediate elements shown in the modifications of the drawings, namely, 34 and 1I, may be of any contour and may or may not serve as closures for the body of the receptacle. It is contemplated that these elements may be ornamental, of dilerent contour, andthe body and cover elements of the receptacle may also vary in their proportions.

Other variations and modifications than those indicated are also .contemplated inthe application of the invention to receptacles for various uses and insofar as they are within the spirit and scope of the invention as deiined in the hereunto annexed claims.

Having thus set forth my invention what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent is:

1. In a receptacle having body and cover elements pivotally joined together, a reinforced portion adjacent the pivotal jointure of said body and cover elements, an intermediate element Within said receptacle, complementary pivotal means on said portion and said intermediate element, spring seats formed in said portion and said intermediate element and a spring engaged with said seats, said spring sewing to secure said intermediate element in operable pivotal relationship with said portion and yieldingly urge said intermediate element into openor closed position with respect to one ofsaid receptacle elements.

2. In a receptacle having body and cover elements pivitally joined together, an intermediate element located Within and being enclosed by the body and cover elements of said receptacle, a reinforced portion in the body element adjacent the pivotal jointure of said elements, complementary pivotal parts on said portion and said vthe extent to which said intermediate element may be pivotally moved with respect to the body element of said receptacle.

3. In a receptacle having bodyand cover elel ments pivotally joined together, a reinforced portion in a wall of one of the elements of said receptable, an intermediate element within said receptacle, complementary pivotal means on said portion and said intermediate element, spring seats formed in said portion and said intermediate element, spring seats formed in said portion and said intermediate element and a spring exigaged with said seats, said spring serving to secure said intermediate element in operable pivotal relationship with said portion and yieldingly urge said intermediate element into open or closed position with respect to one of the elements of said receptacle. MERRILL L. RATHBUN.

, CERTIFICATE QF comen-N. patent- No. 2,292, 76.

' ummm. I.` RAT'HBUN'.. It 1s hereby qe-rtified. that error appears in the printed spe cluflliclafien of thefahoye mn'nbexfed patent requiring correet''on as'fllows: Page', sec-'- ond clunm, lines 16 te 18, claim 5,'str1ke out. 'spring seats l:formed in sad prtion and said intermediate e1eent, andthat' th said LettersA 'Patent should be read with this, correction-therein that the same may confom to the reord d' the casev in the patent Qfce. signqd and sealed this 29th l:my or september, A. D. 191,2.

:Henri Van' Aradale (Seal) -Acting Canmissioner of Patents.'

August 11, 191,2, 

